Support Your Library

The Salt Lake City Public Library is one of the premier libraries in the nation. Public funding provides for day-to-day operation, and community support allows us to flourish and grow. Here are ways you can help.

Give Money

Your tax-deductible cash donation is always welcome and may be given directly to the Salt Lake City Public Library or to the Friends of The City Library, a 501(c)(3) organization. Your donation will enrich, not replace, traditional tax-based funding and allow us to expand cultural programs and services. There are several ways to donate money to The City Library.

Donate Online

Donate Through the Mail

Matching Employer Gifts

Many employers will match their employees' contributions to charitable nonprofit groups, thus increasing the size of your gift to The City Library. Ask your employer if they offer this program.

Memorial and Tribute Donations

Honor the memory of a loved one, pay tribute to family or friends, or celebrate a special occasion by donating to The City Library. give $25 or more and the library will purchase a suitable book and include a personalized bookplate to recognize an individual or commemorate an important event.

Donate Books

Thousands of books are given to The City Library each year and approximately 10,000 are added to our shelves. The rest are sold at the Friends of the Library's used book sales or in the Library Store. Whether added to our collection or sold to the public, your book donation benefits the library and is tax-deductible.

The Friends of The City Library accept:

books, hardback and paperback

audio cassettes

compact discs

DVDs

videocassettes

vinyl records

sheet music

Please do not donate books or other material in poor condition. The library cannot use them and must make arrangements for disposal. If you wish to give items not included on this list, please call 801-524-8200.

The Friends of The City Library cannot use:

books in poor condition

magazines

investment books published more than 3 years ago

computer books published more than 3 years ago

tax books published more than 5 years ago

business books published more than 10 years ago

text books published more than 10 years ago

art prints

Where do the donations go?

All donated materials are reviewed by a librarian to determine if they will be added to the library's collection. Approximately 10,000 gift books are added annually. The remainders are given to the Friends of the Library who then sort and shelve them for re-sale. Used book sale proceeds are donated back to the library. Books that do not sell are given to charitable and non-profit organizations.

How and where do I donate books?

Books may be donated at any of the city's six library locations. We prefer large donations (more than several boxes) to be taken to the Main Library. If you bring a large donation to the Main Library and need help unloading it, please call 801-524-8200 in advance to make arrangements.

Is my book donation tax-deductible?

Yes. If you wish to receive a receipt which can be used for tax filing purposes, please ask your librarian for the proper form.

Give Time

Volunteers make considerable contributions throughout the library system. Opportunities range from leading public tours to working in the Friends' Used Book Sale, helping at The Library Store to greeting patrons at the Welcome Desk, working in a branch to providing tourist information. Download a volunteer application now.

Join the Friends of the Library

For nearly 50 years, the Friends of the Library have dedicated themselves to supporting and enriching The City Library. We invite you to join this dynamic group of individuals who share a love of books and libraries. Proceeds earned through membership dues, Used Book Sales, and The Library Store are donated directly to the Library.

Join members of the local community as we travel to the Topaz site, which is now a U.S. National Historic Landmark, and see one of the places where 120,000 Japanese Americans were interned during World War II.

To learn more about Magic: The Gathering®, grab a friend and head down to the Main Library! Beginners and learners are welcome. Prizes and snacks will be available for participants, and you can meet some new friends and potential opponents.